Graphic Designer

Job Type: Direct Hire

Location: Arlington, VA (4 days onsite)

Our client is seeking a Graphic Designer to lead the visual direction of a well-established media organization. This is an exciting opportunity to shape creative across digital, social, fundraising, and editorial initiatives while helping grow an in-house creative team.

You'll partner closely with marketing and editorial leadership to develop compelling campaigns, mentor a junior designer, and elevate the organization's visual presence across multiple platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead creative execution for digital campaigns across social, email, paid media, landing pages, and fundraising initiatives.
• Design engaging content for YouTube, X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and other digital platforms.
• Translate creative briefs into high-quality assets while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Mentor and oversee a Junior Graphic Designer, providing creative direction and feedback.
• Maintain and evolve brand standards across all creative work.
• Leverage AI-powered creative tools to improve workflow and scale content production.
• Design print collateral, event materials, donor communications, and other marketing assets.
• Collaborate closely with editorial, marketing, and leadership teams to support breaking news, campaigns, and strategic initiatives.
• Present creative concepts and recommendations to senior leadership.

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional graphic design experience.
• Previous experience mentoring or leading designers.
• Expert-level Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Experience with Figma and Canva.
• Hands-on experience using AI design tools such as Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, or DALL·E.
• Strong understanding of social media creative best practices across paid and organic channels.
• Exceptional typography, layout, branding, and visual storytelling skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• An online portfolio showcasing digital campaigns and social creative.

Preferred Qualifications

• Motion graphics or video editing (After Effects, Premiere Pro)
• Experience building or maintaining brand systems
• HTML/CSS or basic web design knowledge
• Experience in publishing, media, nonprofit, or another fast-paced content environment
• Interest in current events, media, or public affairs